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Charlie Kirk’s alleged assassin being...

Charlie Kirk’s alleged assassin being represented by a former Mississippi attorney

By: Frank Corder - September 24, 2025

  • Kathryn Nester was rumored to be on the Obama Administration’s shortlist for U.S. Attorney in Mississippi.

A former Mississippi attorney will be representing Tyler Robinson, the 22-year-old man who has been charged with assassinating conservative commentator Charlie Kirk, as his public defender.

Kirk was gunned down at an event sponsored by Turning Point USA on the campus of Utah Valley University on September 10.

Robinson has been charged with felony discharge of a firearm, aggravated murder and obstruction of justice. He could face the death penalty if found guilty in Utah. 

Court officials confirmed Wednesday that Kathryn Nester will represent Robinson in the case against him.

Nester, who now serves as a Partner at Nester Lewis PLLC, in Salt Lake City, Utah, was rumored to be among those being vetted by the Obama Administration for the U.S. Attorney post in Mississippi’s Southern District in 2009.

Nester previously served as the Federal Public Defender for the District of Utah from 2011 to 2017 and as an Assistant Federal Public Defender in the Southern District of Mississippi from 2005 to 2011. 

She was also in private practice handling both civil and criminal law in Jackson from 1992 to 2005.

About the Author(s)
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Frank Corder

For nearly two decades, Frank Corder has reported and offered analysis on government, public policy, elections, business and matters of faith. He is the Editor for Magnolia Tribune where he oversees the day-to-day content development. Frank’s interviews, articles, and columns have been syndicated throughout Mississippi as well as in various national publications. His resume includes appearances on the BBC, CBS News, ABC News, and Fox News, among others. Frank is a frequent analyst on radio and television, providing insight and commentary on the inner workings of the Magnolia State and beyond. During his career, Frank has interviewed government officials and candidates from City Halls to the White House, including Presidential candidates, White House officials, U.S. Senators, Congressmen, Cabinet Secretaries, and Governors. He previously hosted his own local radio and television programs and has managed private businesses in the financial, hospitality, and retail sectors. Frank has served his community as an elected City Councilman and as an Assistant/Acting City Manager. In the wake of Hurricane Katrina, he led the effort to plan Pascagoula's recovery and rebuilding which earned him recognition as Mississippi's Volunteer of the Year. Frank also led Pascagoula's municipal government out of a $14.5 million deficit, which the Mississippi State Auditor heralded as a model for other communities facing dire financial straits. As the president of the Pascagoula High School Quarterback Club, Frank has self-published "The Book of Pascagoula Football." He has been married for over 25 years and has two children, both of whom work in public education. Email Frank: frank@magnoliatribune.com